"Sport can make things a bit serious and I think sometimes the Australian and New Zealand rivalry gets out of proportion," she said. The Wallabies arrived in Nelson yesterday afternoon, ahead of their game against Russia at Trafalgar Park on Saturday.

About 6000 Australians are expected at the match.

Mr Miccio said 99.9 per cent of New Zealanders "really do love Australians".

He wanted to "put aside some of the negative publicity that has happened in Australia".

"We love Australians. We want to make them feel welcome, [but] it doesn't mean we're going to support them."